As the Takaichi administration approaches its first anniversary, assessments of Japan's strategy toward China and the challenges ahead are coming into focus. Since May, China has shown signs of seeking to improve its stance toward Japan and is attempting to shift its strategy, including its approach to Japanese companies.
A year has passed since the Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) administration was formed, and its diplomacy toward China is being assessed. While she has said that she will open the door to dialogue, some have pointed to a lack of policy detail, and it has been said that the administration's strategy toward China is difficult to discern compared with the "carrot-and-stick" strategy pursued by former Prime Minister Abe.
Since May, China has increased communications indicating an intention to shift away from its hard-line stance toward Japan. Although some observers expect measures such as dual-use controls and calls to refrain from travel to Japan to be eased, the need to rebuild the strategy in light of public opinion in Japan and the level of support for the administration has been highlighted.
China is intensifying its united-front work, seeking to divide Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) from other forces and bring them into its fold. Complex factors affecting relations with Japan include the preferential treatment given to Japanese companies that accompanied former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya (岩屋毅), as well as changes in how Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅)'s conduct has been handled. Some view these developments as suggesting a change in China's policy toward Japan.
Experts say Japan needs a firm strategy toward China. While some believe that the value of Japanese companies' technology is being reassessed in China, the need to deter China's campaign by strengthening the Japan-US alliance has also been emphasized.